I was no longer as confident in myself as I had been at the very beginning of our conversation. And although this time I had thought through my lines better, I no longer had the same patience. So, even though now I was counting on luck, if it didn't work out again, I thought I would end it there. I'd have one last play with the girl in timelessness, and then I'd release this tension with Fia.
For now…
"Mhm…" timidly moaned Rya, feeling my lips on her neck.
Rising higher, covering her skin with kisses, I lightly bit the maiden's ear before speaking to her again.
"This world is full of madness and cruelty. There aren't many beautiful things here… or people you want to get close to."
"I… I-I…"
"I know, you need to return to your lady. But you already lingered for the necklace, and how long would you have stayed if I hadn't returned it to you?"
"But… you don't know me…"
"We are souls wandering through this dying world, those still able to think clearly and fight. I see you right now, before me. Your charming shyness and embarrassment, your loyalty, and curiosity."
Holding her hands, I turned the girl, almost pressing her to the wall, or rather to the column of the gazebo.
"I won't hurt you." I continued to reassure her, stroking her cheek.
Practically pinning Rya to the column, I again pressed my lips to hers. Except now the kiss became much more exotic. Opening her lips, the girl timidly responded, allowing my tongue to go deeper, to touch her serpentine tongue. She shuddered, afraid of my reaction, but I did not break the kiss. Only I tried carefully not to cut myself on her fangs. But they weren't sharp enough for a single touch, without pressure, to pierce flesh.
At the same time, my hands wandered ever more boldly over her body. And I could feel the girl arching before me.
"Hah… I… can't…"
"Shhh… you like this, don't you, Rya?"
"It's… I'm not sure…"
She timidly fidgets, blushing even more. For a while I simply look at her, admiring the embarrassed expression on the girl's face.
"It's… not bad…"
"I'm glad. Just trust me, I'll do everything, and I'll be gentle with you."
"Hssss…" the girl hissed shyly, closing her eyes.
And clutching her little fingers tightly at my cloak. Though her hands stayed tense, her body noticeably relaxed. From her expression and body language came a very clear sense that she was ready to trust me. Which I used, though slowly, so as not to scare the girl again. It seemed this time it was working.
But for now, I continued only to kiss and caress her. Little by little going further.
"Hsssaahh?" the girl whimpered plaintively, feeling me moving lower.
If I tore off her clothes, it would certainly frighten her badly. But a kiss through her clothes… there was something to it. Simply leaning lower, I touched her body through her dress with my lips.
"Ahhh…" the girl exhaled excitedly.
And letting go of my cloak, she stretched her arms to hug me tighter.
I found her breast with my lips, feeling the hardened nipples of the aroused girl. But I didn't linger there long, and continued moving down, giving some attention to her belly. It seemed she wasn't going to run away now.
"Ch-Chrono?"
Dropping lower, I knelt on the floor and took the hem of her dress, slowly lifting it. Rya's little fingers gripped my hair, burying into it, when my lips touched her smooth legs.
"W-where are you…"
"This is where it gets interesting!"
"Ahhh…" plaintively whimpered the embarrassed maiden, feeling my kiss on her thigh, very close to her most secret place.
I enjoyed both her whimpers and her moans as I finally reached the sweetest spot. I should note that here she was like any ordinary girl, no teeth inside. And no underwear either — under Rya's green dress there was only a thin white slip, serving as her underwear. So her slit was practically open before me, releasing an alluring feminine scent, which made my manhood grow even harder.
"Umm… ahhh…" she moaned even louder when my tongue slid across her wet lips.
After playing a bit with the girl's clitoris, I practically devoured her pussy with my lips, penetrating her with my tongue. Holding her hips, I kept playing with her.
Leaning forward, Rya pressed her knees into me and, unable to restrain herself, pushed my head right against her pussy, sliding it across my face.
"AHHH!"
I felt her shudder, convulsing with pleasure in a bright orgasm. The girl's legs buckled, and she released my head to lean her hands on my shoulders.
"You taste so sweet," I murmured contentedly, emerging from beneath the girl's dress.
"Hah… Ch-Chrono…"
The girl's gaze trembled, her eyes sparkling with overflowing sweet pleasure, as I rose, sliding my palms up her smooth thighs. Lifting the girl herself, I again pressed her to the wall, but then immediately stepped back to undress myself.
Somewhere in the distance, an unknown monster roared, but it only distracted us for a couple of seconds. Rya's gaze, however, stuck to my cock, already straining for battle.
"Th-that… in me…"
"Yes."
"Eummm…" the girl muttered bashfully.
Still, I had already pleasured her, so now it was my turn to enjoy myself.
Approaching the girl, I again lifted the fallen hem of her dress and, pressing Rya to the column, pressed my erection to her crotch. At the same time, I covered her lips with a passionate kiss. A little more affection, before I firmly gripped her buttocks and, pulling back my hips, positioned myself at her wet slit.
"Oaahhh…" Rya moaned with arousal, feeling my cock penetrate her.
Her legs seemed to spread wider on their own. Perhaps it wasn't the most aesthetically beautiful position for sex, but it had a certain dirty spiciness of quick coupling. So, pressing the girl to the column with my body, I began to move with slow thrusts, penetrating her and retreating, only to repeat it again and again. She was so tight it was almost painful at first, but gradually her slit began to stretch, letting me inside with greater ease.
"Ughm…" Rya moaned sensually, hugging me tightly.
As I continued moving, sliding my cock inside the girl's tight pussy, it became harder and harder to hold back. I had already riled myself up a lot, playing with this girl. So now I couldn't last long.
And perhaps…
I wasn't a very responsible man, was I? Or maybe I just forgot myself. And when I reached the peak, no longer able to restrain myself, I simply released all that sexual tension, pouring my seed into my partner's depths.
"Hah…"
I filled Rya's pussy with my cum with pleasure. And she in turn only embraced me blissfully, pressing her body tightly against mine.
Well, whatever happens, happens.
"Chrono…" Rya whispered softly. "Did… did you… like it?"
Oh, how sweet of her to ask.
"Of course, you're simply adorable, Rya."
And leaning in, I kissed her again.
What she didn't expect, though, was that right after that I would want more.
"Hah? Wh-what? Again?" she stammered when I turned the girl to the column and, lifting her dress, took her from behind.
"You've got an amazing pussy. Of course, I'm not just going to let you go. Hahaha…"
"Umm…"
Grabbing her buttocks in my hands, I entered the girl's pussy again. She reflexively thrust her hips back, spreading her legs even wider, more than shoulder-width apart. And though I started roughly the same way, with measured thrusts like the first time, I gradually began to speed up, pounding Rya's pussy harder and faster.
Our flesh made lewd slaps as it collided, and the girl's vagina squelched wetly with each thrust.
And so…
Until I reached the peak again. But I restrained myself enough to slip out of the tight hole before climaxing. Not that I was afraid to cum inside, not anymore. I just wanted to be a little mischievous, and raising Rya's dress higher up her back, I released my seed on her body, covering her lower back and part of her back. As well as dirtying her dress a little.
At the same time, the first portion of cum that had already begun to leak from her stuffed pussy started running down her thighs.
And then I entered her again. And kept fucking until the girl herself came once more, for which I also played with her breasts and clit.
"Ohhh…" how tightly she squeezed!
And we did it once more.
And yet again, until my libido cooled a little. Not that I couldn't continue at all, but my passion was definitely satisfied.
"Ahh… I… Chrono, you ruined my dress," the girl nearly whined, giving me a hurt look. "My lady will… scold me… ohh… she won't like this."
And now panic began to ripen in her feelings.
"Calm down, my dear…" I murmured, stroking the girl's cheek. "Just trust me, everything will be fine."
"What?"
"Raise your arms."
"Ah…"
She was confused, but obeyed, which allowed me to easily remove her dress along with her underwear. After that, I used the same dress to wipe the girl clean where she was still covered with sticky thick cum. And then, in a golden flash, her clothes were wrapped in a swirl of sand. In just a moment, I returned to her clean garments.
"Just like that…"
"Ah… that… what was that?" Rya was stunned.
"My special magic."
"That's…"
"By the way, I noticed something when we kissed."
"Umm? Hss… what?" pursing her lips like a mischievous child, she looked at me with an innocent glance.
"You've got quite an amusing tongue," I said with a smile. "It made your kisses unexpectedly interesting."
"That's…"
"So, I was thinking… in short, I want to ask you for a favor. I think, after what we just did here, it's quite appropriate."
Rya raised her brows a little plaintively, and began nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Her gaze kept darting around, but especially often sticking to my cock, which was already rising again, like a revived warrior unwilling to surrender even after a hard battle. Clearly, its very sight didn't cause her any aversion, but rather even more curiosity.
"If you don't want to, that's fine, but I'd be simply delighted if you'd please me with your tongue."
"Ah… umm…" the girl lowered her gaze shyly.
"Just like I pleased you the first time."
"Mmm…" she mumbled unclearly in response and timidly nodded.
Pleased with this, I placed my hand on the girl's shoulder, not pressing her, but rather emotionally nudging her to act. And Rya herself, swallowing nervously, sank to her knees before me and leaned toward my erection.
Her hand trembled awkwardly, but she still took my cock in her palm, squeezing it with her fingers. I could feel at that moment how nervous the girl was. Yet she still leaned a little closer and pressed her lips to my tip. After which, finally, her serpentine tongue appeared, gently but shyly sliding along my cock, then quickly retreating back into the girl's mouth, as she lifted a wary glance at me.
"You're just wonderful, Rya, please continue."
Blushing even more and unable to meet my eyes any longer, she lowered her gaze and, tilting her head a little, continued to give me her feminine support. The maiden's hand stroked me tenderly, while her lips still timidly touched my flesh and, at times, her tongue appeared. She didn't yet dare to do more, and was rather getting acquainted with my cock, exploring it.
It was pleasant, but…
I was already satisfied enough, and simply couldn't finish from such timid caressing. I wanted more.
"Can you take it in your mouth?" I placed my palm on the girl's head.
"Mmm…" she muttered something incoherent.
And with a nervous breath, she decided to fulfill my request, capturing my tip with her lips, pressing it with her tongue. Then, leaning forward, she took a little more, wrapping my cock with her tongue and, giving in to impulse, began to suck it with a wet smack.
"Nice…" I murmured contentedly, playing with the girl's hair.
She began to bob her head, and I felt her tongue, still coiling around my cock in a couple of rings, slip out of her mouth, brushing against my balls with a tickling sensation.
"You… ohhh… damn, where did you learn that?" I asked, genuinely impressed.
And immediately she stopped.
The girl hunched and looked up at me with a guilty expression.
"I… I just thought th-that you'd like it…"
"Oh yes, I liked it. Don't stop, keep going."
"Ah… o-okay…"
And realizing that I wasn't scolding her, the girl returned to her service, once again taking my cock into her little mouth.
Ohh… you really do have a talent for this.
Mmmm… Raya grumbled somewhat indignantly.
It seemed she didn't like how highly I praised her oral skills. If the girl wanted to succeed in something on the road of life, it was clearly not in the talent of a serpentine blowjob.
In the end, this surprising talent of hers greatly pleased my tip.
Just like that… yes…
And Raya's serpentine tongue made me cum again right in the girl's mouth, something I somehow forgot to warn her about. But she didn't complain, and obediently accepted everything I gave her.
Good girl… I patted her head with satisfaction.
She, however, frowned a little in puzzlement and, pulling away from my groin, licked her lips. Then shyly covered her mouth with her sleeve.
Did you like it? she now asked more calmly, looking at me expectantly.
Yes… you did well, Raya.
The girl averted her gaze again.
And for a while longer we simply rested here, in this gazebo. Raya got up, brushing dust off her dress. I settled on the railing like on a bench.
So, now you'll return to your mistress?
Huh? Y-yes… she nodded. Ah, but! Here…
And, shyly lowering her eyes, she took out a sealed letter from her clothes, which she handed to me.
Hmm?
This… is an invitation.
Invitation?
Raya nodded shyly.
My mistress… the Lady of the Volcano Manor. She sent me to search for… strong… heroic souls! Tarnished, like you…
Volcano Manor… I tried to recall. That's on Mt. Gelmir?
Yes! Raya nodded happily.
The place where the mysterious magic of the Gelmir sorcerers was born. And also, somewhere nearby, there should be one of the settlements of the beastmen, whom the mages once tried to teach the mysteries of glintstone, as my mentor Sellen had told me. Finally, the dwelling of Praetor Rykard, one of the demigods who inherited one of the great runes. Likely, the Lady of the Manor was connected to him.
I… would be glad if you joined the Manor, Raya told me modestly.
In that phrase she referred to the Manor not so much as a location, but as an acting faction.
Interesting offer, but… why should I join you?
Huh?
I mean, what does the Manor even do? Why does it seek Tarnished? And what can it offer?
It's… well… Raya nervously pressed her fingers together, like an embarrassed anime girl. The Manor opposes the will of the Erdtree. My mistress wishes to gather mighty warriors among the Tarnished, to put an end to the suffering of the peoples of the Lands Between!
In short, I was being offered not to become Elden Lord myself, but to join a faction, helping this lady, or rather Rykard the demigod, become Lord by defeating his brothers and sisters. At least, that's how I understood it. Except with Rykard things weren't so simple—whether he even wanted to become Lord. He wasn't called the Heretic with a capital H for nothing.
And… in the Manor you'll find strong allies! Raya added. And… you're seeking knowledge, right? You mentioned the Reading Hall. In the Manor, unique Gelmir sorcery practices have been preserved. And some books that can't be found anywhere else!
She was surprisingly inspired, campaigning for me to join her faction.
Alright, I'll think about it, I smiled. But only for you. In any case, I'll visit your Manor, to see you again.
Also, if I ever decide to gather the runes, I'll have to come to Rykard for his great rune.
Umm… th-that… the girl faltered.
Hahaha…
A loud splash nearby distracted me from talking with the cutie. Glancing to the side, I noticed a rock rising from the swamp. Which turned out not to be a rock, but a giant crab. Like the ones the bandit boiled in a pot near the fisherman's shack. Only the size of the shack itself. And this brute seemed interested in us, starting to crawl slowly toward the gazebo.
Wait a bit, I'll deal with this, I told Raya, patting her on the shoulder.
Ah… umm… the girl nodded.
And, showing off in front of the lady, I stepped out of the gazebo, summoning my spear. I didn't even need to slow time, the crab crawled slowly enough that I could prepare my spells, forming a phalanx of golden blades and finally launching magical projectiles. At the same time, I shifted slightly to the side, distracting the monster from Raya. And, even before taking damage, it already followed me, showing little interest in the girl. Only after that did the golden shards strike it, immediately driving the monster into a frenzy.
Jerking, it hissed, and just from its movements I already understood it was either going to leap at me now or attack from range. So I still used time-slowing to reposition. A flicker of real time, and now, new projectiles flew into the monster's side. And it spat a powerful stream of mud from its maw roughly at the spot I had been just a second ago.
But this time the projectiles were enough to bring the beast down, piercing its shell, shards biting into the flesh of the giant crustacean, grinding it like the bite of dragon jaws. The monster only gave one last wheeze, then toppled over, releasing its spirit in a stream of golden runes.
That's it. I returned to my new girlfriend.
That was incredible! Raya greeted me impressed. You really are a great mage, Master Chrono! Exactly the kind of Tarnished Lady Tanith wishes to see.
Glad I could impress you.
Ahh… y-yes… the little snake squeaked shyly.
Do you need help with anything else? I think I'll continue on toward the Reading Hall for now. But when I head to the Plateau, I'll stop by your Manor.
N-no… that is, that's all… I also must return to Lady Tanith. Once more… thank you for your help, Chrono.
Glad to help.
Ah, one more thing, Master Chrono! The path to the Altus Plateau lies through the Dectus Lift, the girl said. But without a key it can't be used. In the gorge north of the lift there are mines, they were dug from both Liurnia of the Lakes and from the Plateau side, so they connect, and you can pass through them as well. But if you take that route, be careful, those places are inhabited by dangerous creatures.
I'll keep that in mind.
It was a little sad to part with the beauty, but this was just a fleeting encounter. Most likely, we would meet again someday, but for now our paths diverged. Raya used her teleportation magic, vanishing in bursts of volcanic smoke.
And I summoned Torrent to move on.
Even Melina didn't comment on my delay. Especially since it hadn't taken much real time. On the way, I decided to stop by the bandit again and snack on some crabs. Though, yes, those crabs were huge themselves. Not like that monster, but about the size of a cat, so they had plenty of meat. The fellow was still there and gladly shared his supplies.
Moving on, I thought about storage possibilities.
When I improved my understanding of magic, I could think about how to make a refrigerator. That is, whether time-sands could be used to preserve food. It would be great to have some stock of non-spoiling provisions. Even if runes could replace eating, a juicy roast was still a wonderful option.
At last, I reached the old ruins.
Sunken houses and temples drowned in the swamps, lying on the outskirts of the academy. But I didn't go into Raya Lucaria Academy itself, instead heading east. Along the way, I encountered strange beings called albinaurics. They were intelligent, but not very inclined to talk, so they only became more runes for me.
Deeper in the dark swamps I also found familiar giant flowers, releasing poisonous spores and shooting magic. Well, more runes. After that, speeding up with portals, I rather quickly reached the rocky gorge. And instead of making my way through the rocks, I just transported myself to the top of one of the tallest, from where there was a view of the monumental Carian Reading Hall tower.
Here it is…
A couple more such jumps, and I stepped right before the massive doors of the tower.
It was time for education.
And just then, quite aptly, a new grace cluster formed. Although, I wasn't much dependent on them anymore thanks to portals.